St. Mary’s – Shaw Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Winter/Spring 2023 Information
St. Mary’s is pleased to launch Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS for short), a special program for children and the whole parish. In CGS, the Children will be learning about Jesus through presentations that teach Bible stories, the Liturgy, and Liturgical year of the Catholic Church as well as practical life skills. A child is free to choose an activity or a meaningful work through which the child can have a conversation with God. The room in which this teaching occurs is call an “Atrium.” An Atrium is a is a room designed to let light in. The Atrium for CGS is a room where we let the Light of Christ into the hearts and minds of God’s Children. We are beginning level one for children ages 3 thru 6-year-old this year on Tuesday’s from 9:15-10:30 am. Our vision is to grow over time to include all three levels. Level 2 is for ages 6 -9-year-old’s and level 3 is for 9-12-year-old’s. We are also beginning an Adult Atrium time, the first Saturday of each month at 8:00 am.
To learn more about CGS, we will be hosting an Open House on Sunday, February 5, 2023, 9:00-9:30 am. Registration for the first session is on a first come, first serve basis. We have room for 8 children. Cost is $50.00 per child. There will be 5 sessions, a 3 week break and then 6 more sessions. The First Children’s Atrium will be on Tuesday, February 21, 2023, 9:15-10:30 am. Please see the schedule on reverse side for dates of sessions.
Each session, children and parents will meet the Catechist/Guide in the foyer of the Church. Parents or guardians are expected to remain at St. Mary’s during the atrium time. Children accompanying their parents who are not in the program, need to remain with their parents and are encouraged to gather together in the foyer of the church to pray the rosary, read saint stories, work on puzzles or homework. A book study may be an option as well. During nice weather, children and parents may play outside behind the church offices. We ask for all children and parents to remain on the Church side of the property. * Please note, for the first few years, the Atrium will be located upstairs and is not ADA accessible. * Please park in the Church parking-lot. Tuesday morning Mass is at 8:30 am in the Church.
For those who are interested in helping or learning more about CGS, the first Saturday of each month, beginning on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 8:00- 9:00 am is Adult Atrium time. During this time, Catechist, Aides, Volunteers, Parents, Grandparents or anyone who would like to learn about CGS are encouraged to attend this monthly training and spiritual renewal time and share a potluck breakfast together.
To sign-up a child up for CGS or for more information, please contact Mary Reich at St. Mary’s in Shaw. 9168 Silver Falls Highway SE, PO Box 338 Aumsville, OR 97325 503-362-6159 [email protected]